Member for Morwell Russell Northe has written to the State Government Treasurer and Minister for Resources Tim Pallas, pleading for action regarding the abysmal time that is taken to consider local quarry licensing applications and approvals.

"We have a well-established quarry industry, with many successful organisations and stable employers such as Maryvale Sands, Matthews Quarries, Latrobe Valley Blue Metal and Latrobe Valley Sands", Mr Northe said. "This industry employs over 200 local people, and they could double their operations and their staff overnight, yet ridiculous regulations and lack of Government expertise and support means this is not possible".

These businesses do not have the guarantee of supply of the raw materials they need to grow, due to the complex and lengthy approval processes that the State Government has in place. If the Government doesn’t take this matter seriously then Victoria will eventually have to import material from other States, the cost of materials will rise substantially and jobs will be lost.

"That’s why this week, I have written to the Minister once again urging the Government, to commit to fixing this broken system that threatens local businesses and employers – regardless of what happens in the November election," said Mr Northe.

The Latrobe Valley must be allowed the opportunity to advance and expand, and overcome its recent setbacks and challenges. I am standing with our local businesses, quarry owners and their workforce, who deserve to see their futures secure, and by doing so remove the crippling barriers that are inhibiting genuine progress.

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